More than 30,000 flowers go on display at cathedral

The Spirit of Water Flower Festival is being held at Salisbury Cathedral

More than 30,000 flowers have gone on display inside Salisbury Cathedral.

The cathedral invited about 500 flower arrangers to create the wide array of displays for the Spirit of Water Flower Festival.

The event is part of a series of art exhibitions exploring the power of water and its ability to hold memories and shape the identity of a place.

Head of design and Royal Horticultural Society judge, Michael Bowyer MBE, said the flowers were creating a wonderful scent within the cathedral.

Michael Bowyer was among the organisers of the flower festival

More than 500 flower arrangers have created designs

"This year's theme is water," Mr Bowyer said.

"We have the five rivers of Salisbury, a real working lock gate, rain, sleet, mist, all sorts of things where water is connected to it and 350 wicker raindrops hanging from the roof."

About 30,000 flowers have been used in the displays

Mr Bowyer said: "The flowers are now beginning to open up leaving a lovely scent in the cathedral."

Community groups, care homes and playgroups were invited to make paper fish for one of the displays

About 600 volunteers were involved in making paper fish for one of the displays.

"They were made in care homes, day centres, playgroups and workshops," Mr Bowyer added.

People from across the region have visited the cathedral to see the flower displays

In previous years, Salisbury Cathedral's art exhibitions have explored themes such as liberty and climate change.

The event is part of a series of art exhibitions on the theme of water

The Spirit of Water Flower Festival at Salisbury Cathedral runs until 18 May.